My Favourite Michelle Pfeiffer Movies of All-Time

Not many actresses have made movies audiences treasure like Michelle Pfeiffer. Since the 1980’s, Pfieffer has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s cat burglars, wives of gangsters or suspects of murders, Pfeiffer has portrayed several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies she has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actress that deserves to be celebrated.

1. Batman Returns

Batman is a celebrated superhero that my brother has always appreciated. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a brother appreciating a hero with courage. I vividly remember my brother was a huge fan of the caped crusader. A comic-book nerd, he would always speak fondly about a superhero that made him feel heard. Shining bright light in darkness, Batman contributed towards his happiness. In 1992, Michelle Pfeiffer honoured the iconic comic-book character earning high returns in her movie “Batman Returns”. In the greatest role of her career, Pfeiffer portrayed a mischievous cat burglar participating in a life of crime causing despair. This is the actress unlike you’ve ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most iconic role. Pfeiffer has spent most of her career by playing likeable women with sympathetic personalities. With “Batman Returns”, however, the actress took a big step out of her comfort zone by playing a comic-book villain. As Catwoman, the actress did an extraordinary job of portraying an iconic comic-book character. Working alongside Michael Keaton who is also amazing, Pfeiffer honoured a superhero that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which Selina Kyler transforms into Catwoman after being thrown off a big building that causes despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Batman Returns” Michelle Pfeiffer’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most Batman movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking comic-book film about a caped crusader that changed the world forever, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has made unforgettable movies which audiences treasure.

2. Murder on the Orient Express

Agatha Christie is a legendary author whose literature my father always loved dearly. Several years ago, my father once adored Hercule Poirot. He praised the unique writing style of an author writing stories about deaths on the Nile. In 2017, Michelle Pfeiffer honoured the author with success in her movie “Murder on the Orient Express”. In the most mischievous role of her career, Pfeiffer portrayed a mysterious woman that becomes suspect of murder on a doomed train facing despair. Pfeiffer has always had an aptitude for stealing the show in a supporting role with success, and “Murder on the Orient Express” showcased her strengths as an actress. Working alongside Kenneth Branagh who is also outstanding, Pfeiffer honoured a classic murder mystery book published years ago. For instance, the scene in which Linda first becomes aware that a murder has been committed on the train causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Murder on the Orient Express” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most Agatha Christie movies, it tackles themes that everyone relate to. 90 years after the creation of stories about murders on a doomed train, it’s a marvellous reminder of an actress that has managed to gain a huge following through manufacturing unforgettable movies which entertain.

3. Hairspray

Hairspray is a beloved Broadway musical that my father loves today. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a father that loved a stage musical about women facing damage. He would always speak fondly about a musical that he considered to be special. In 2007, Michelle Pfeiffer honoured the iconic Broadway play in her movie “Hairspray”. In the most theatrical role of her career, Pfeiffer portrayed the manipulative host of a television show facing despair. With “Hairspray”, the actress showcased rare flair for composing melodies that she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Christopher Walken who is also outstanding, Pfeiffer honoured an iconic musical. For instance, the scene in which Velma becomes aware that Tracy has won a spot on her show causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Hairspray” a musical masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most Broadway adaptations, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. It delivers a bold message about racism which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved Broadway play, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress manufacturing commemorated movies which deserve to be celebrated today.

4. The Age of Innocence

Extramarital affairs often cause marriages to face tragedy. At an early age, I witnessed a family friend engage in extramarital affairs causing marriages to face damage. His decision to cheat on his wife caused marriages to become obsolete. As someone treasuring memories of a father that committed infidelity without innocence, I appreciated “The Age of Innocence”. Released in 1993, Michelle Pfeiffer’s movie offered beautiful adaptations of a book about infidelity. In the most provocative role of her career, Pfeiffer portrayed a woman engaging in an extramarital affair causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her strengths for playing women under intense stress. Working alongside Daniel Day-Lewis who is also outstanding, Pfeiffer honoured a classic book. For instance, the scene in which Countess Olenska first meets Newland beginning their affair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “The Age of Innocence” a masterpiece is its message. Despite being set in the 1870s, its strong themes of infidelity remain relevant today. The film delivers a bold message about infidelity which would resonate with everyone. A beautiful portrait of affairs in an age of innocence, its a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actress manufacturing movies which attract a humongous audience.

5. Ant-Man and the Wasp

Ant-Man is an amazing comic-book character that inspired my teacher. Several years ago, my teacher was once a huge fan of the ant-sized superhero. He adored a marvellous hero that always held a place in his heart which was precious. In 2018, Michelle Pfeiffer honoured the hero causing audiences to gasp in her movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp”. In the most heroic role of her career, Pfeiffer portrayed a scientist that creates an ant-sized superhero causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to step out of her comfort zone by making her first comic-book movie. Working alongside Paul Rudd who is also outstanding, Pfeiffer honoured a hero gifted with powers of shrinking. For instance, the scene in which Janet assists Scott with completing his mission causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actress’ career. Ultimately, what makes “Ant-Man and the Wasp” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Marvel movies targeted towards comic-book fans only, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about the value of teamwork which would resonate with everyone. An astonishing tribute towards a superhero with the abilities to shrink in size, it’s a spectacular reminder of an actress that hasn’t lost abilities to surprise manufacturing great movies which audiences prize.

6. Scarface

Few books ever written about obstacles gangsters face are as beloved as “Scarface”. Since its publication in 1930, Armitage Trail’s book has become a classic. In 1983, Michelle Pfeiffer honoured the iconic book about hardships gangsters face in her movie “Scarface”. In the most aggressive role of her career, Pfeiffer portrayed the wife of a notorious gangster facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress an opportunity to showcase her talent for playing women under stress. Pfeiffer showcased strong emotional range she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Al Pacino who is also outstanding, Pfeiffer honoured a classic gangster book published years ago. As strong as drugs owned by Tony Montana, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress with charisma whose memorable movies always attract audiences to the Cinema.

7. Married to the Mob

Michelle Pfeiffer has always excelled at making movies in the crime genre. Pfeiffer has always thrived at making movies about mobsters whose lives are in grave danger. Pfeiffer’s strength for making movies about the mob is clearly evident in her movie “Married to the Mob”. Released in 1988, Jonathan Demme’s movie showcased the actress at her best. In the most conflicted role of her career, Pfeiffer portrayed a woman married to a mobster in a broken marriage beyond repair. It gave the actress a rare chance to showcase comedic timing she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Matthew Modine who is also amazing, Pfeiffer created a movie that’s compelling. A marvellous portrait of mobsters that have a marriage, it’s a magnificent reminder of an actress that hasn’t lost abilities to make movies with a strong message.

8. The Fabulous Baker Boys

Michelle Pfeiffer has always excelled at playing women with a seductive nature. Pfeiffer has built an image of being an actress that thrives at playing emotional women facing damage. Pfeiffer’s strength for playing women that seduce boys is clearly evident in her movie “The Fabulous Baker Boys”. Released in 1989, Steve Kloves’ movie showcased the actress at her best. In the most seductive role of her career, Pfeiffer portrayed a female singer facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress rare chances to showcase flair for singing melodies she hadn’t shown before in her career. Working alongside Jeff Bridges who is also amazing, Pfeiffer honoured a commemorated classic musical. As strong as Jack’s love for music, it’s a fantastic reminder of a commemorated actress that has produced iconic movies which are beloved by the public.

9. Dangerous Liaisons

When it comes to the greatest books ever written about dangerous liaisons, it’s worth discussing Dangerous Liaisons. Since its publication in 1782, Pierre Laclos’ book has become literature readers value. In 1988, Michelle Pfeiffer honoured the iconic book about liaisons in her movie “Dangerous Liaisons”. In the most dangerous role of her career, Pfeiffer portrayed an aristocratic woman engaging in an extramarital affair causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actress a chance to showcase her talent for playing strong women in positions of power. Working alongside John Malkovich who is also amazing, Pfeiffer created a period piece that’s compelling. A fantastic adaptation of a famous French book about liaisons that are dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress making great movies audiences consider precious.

10. Dangerous Minds

Michelle Pfeiffer hasn’t always made great movies that audiences treasure. While most movies the actress has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Dangerous Minds” falls into the latter category. Released in 1995, John N. Smith’s school drama was a disaster. In the most shallow role of her career, Pfeiffer portrayed a school teacher seeking success facing despair. Pfeiffer brought her usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Dangerous Minds” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Pfeiffer’s legacy. As strong as LouAnne’s desire to change the education system, it’s a riveting reminder of an actress that has achieved stardom playing characters with wisdom in unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve my dreams of film criticism.